Can SF's New Triage Centers Help Solve the Addiction Crisis?
Feb 26, 2025
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Sydney Johnson, a KQED reporter with a focus on San Francisco's drug crisis, shares her firsthand insights on the newly opened triage center in the South of Market. She discusses its role in addressing the fentanyl crisis and the complexities faced by individuals seeking help. Personal stories unveil confusion around the center's purpose and the effects of increased police presence. Johnson also evaluates the center's supportive services and the community's mixed reactions, questioning whether it can truly make an impact on addiction and homelessness.
The opening of the triage center in San Francisco aims to tackle the fentanyl crisis by providing essential support services and connecting users to city resources.
There are concerns about the dual role of the center in assisting law enforcement, as critics question if this approach truly addresses the complexities of addiction and homelessness.
Deep dives
Triage Center as a Response to Fentanyl Crisis
A new triage center has been established in San Francisco's South of Market area to address the fentanyl crisis and provide support for individuals struggling with drug addiction. This center features several tents offering services such as food, coffee, and direction to basic city resources. Service providers, including the Department of Public Health, are present to assist individuals by connecting them to necessary benefits and shelter while helping them navigate available city services. Despite its intention to support those in need, some visitors still express uncertainty about obtaining the help they seek and continue facing the challenges of homelessness.
Support and Criticism of the Center
The center aims to offer essential support services but also has a stated goal of assisting law enforcement by serving as a processing location for individuals arrested for public drug use. Currently, there is confusion regarding the implementation of this dual role, as police activity has reportedly not yet occurred on-site. Critics argue that an approach centered around law enforcement may not effectively address addiction and may inadvertently heighten overdose risks. Community members are skeptical about the center's long-term efficacy and whether it can genuinely meet the needs of people facing addiction and homelessness.
Comparison with Previous Initiatives
This triage center draws parallels to the Tenderloin Center, which operated during the pandemic and allowed for supervised drug consumption without resulting in overdoses while offering essential services. Unlike the previous initiative, the new center prohibits on-site drug use and is designed with a more law enforcement-friendly approach. Observers note that while some services overlap, the methods of support differ significantly, contributing to ongoing debates about the effectiveness of such programs. As the city evaluates the center’s performance after 30 days, residents are left wondering about the real impact on the community and the future of similar initiatives.
A new “triage center” in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood opened in early February. It’s one of Mayor Daniel Lurie’s first tangible initiatives to address the city’s fentanyl crisis as he embarks on his first year in office. A second center is also planned in the Tenderloin. KQED’s Sydney Johnson visited the new center and tells us what she saw.
This episode was produced by Jessica Kariisa, Mel Velasquez, and Tessa Paoli, and guest hosted by Alan Montecillo.